Measles Outbreak Could Be Headed to Idaho

This is serious stuff. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in existence and it could very easily cross the borders into Idaho. Here's what you need to know.

Right now there are at least 30 confirmed cases of measles in Washington state. Nine more cases are suspected.

According to KTVB, the measles is so contagious that if a person who is infected coughs in a room the virus can linger in the air and infect others for 2-3 hours.

They say for every person who has the measles, they will typically infect 10 other people. So you do the math. If we have 30 people with the measles, typically that will lead to 300 people contracting the measles and the disease will continue to spread like wildfire through people who are not vaccinated.

That's the key right there "not vaccinated." The MMR vaccine is the most effective means of protecting yourself from getting the measles, but Autism scares and misconceptions have led parents to not vaccinating their children.

As the mother of a child with Autism myself, trust me I spent many days and months worrying and studying, trying to discover if there is any link between the MMR vaccine and Autism. From every single scientific study, I have found zero links to the MMR vaccine and the development of Autism. Studies have proven that the MMR vaccine does not cause any other genetic disorders and it does not make you sick.

You have the right as a parent to choose whether or not to vaccinate your child, but lots of science backing studies have been enough for me to say I will vaccinate my children every single time to not only protect their health but the health of others.

If the measles outbreak does reach Idaho, be aware that symptoms include red blotchy skin rashes, fever, and a sore throat.